Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas to step in as last-minute Thénardier replacement in Les Miserables

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

Less than a week after Les Miserables returned to the West End at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre, Matt Lucas will step in for a limited run to replace Gerard Carey as Thénardier. Carey was told by doctors on the morning of the first performance to rest his vocal cords to avoid long-term damage, with Lucas now taking over the role for six weeks.  

Matt Lucas to play Thenardier

Matt Lucas recently played the role of Thénardier in this year's Les Miserables: All-Star Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre, alongside fellow Les Mis stars including Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean and Michael Ball as Javert. However, the British comedy actor first starred as Thénardier in 2010, starring in the 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 Arena, later reprising the role at the Queen's Theatre the following year.

Lucas will play the role of Thénardier in Les Miserables for a limited engagement of six weeks from 23rd December, taking over the role from Gerard Carey who has been advised to rest on medical grounds. Carey is expected to return to the production on 3rd February.

As well as his Les Miserables acting credits, Lucas is best known for his award-winning performance on BBC's Little Britain alongside actor and writer David Walliams.

Les Miserables returns to London

Following an open-ended run in the West End of over 30 years at the Barbican, Palace Theatre and Queen's Theatre, Les Miserables waved the red flag for the final time on 13th July, to make way for theatre renovations. A 16-week engagement of Les Miserables: All-Star Staged Concert took place across the road at the Gielgud Theatre earlier this year, with performances to 30th November.

A brand new production of Les Miserables began performances at the newly-named Sondheim Theatre on 18th December, with a current booking period to 17th October 2020.

Current Les Miserables cast

The current cast of Les Miserables stars Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine, Shan Ako as Eponine, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier, Harry Apps as Marius, Ashley Gilmour as Enjolras and Lily Kerhoas as Cosette.

They are joined by Kelly Agbowu, Ciarán Bowling, Richard Carson, Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Harry Dunnett, Jessie Hart, Jessica Joslin, Sarah Lark, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Luke McCall, Leo Miles, Claire O'Leary, Shane O'Riordan, Kathy Peacock, Sam Peggs, Mark Pearce, Emma Warren, Sake Wijers, Mared Williams and Samuel Wyn-Morris. 

What happens in Les Miserables?

With an iconic score by Boublil and Schönberg featuring songs including 'Bring Him Home' and 'I Dreamed a Dream', Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean as he starts a new life in revolutionary France, with inspector Javert following him to the Parisian barricades in a story of love, freedom and equality.

Les Miserables tickets

Les Miserables is at the Sondheim Theatre.

Les Miserables tickets are available now.

Photo credit: Michael Le Poer Trench (all-star production)

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